Deadly wildfires still raging in Southern California have forced evacuations and burned thousands of homes, leaving many Georgians looking for ways to help, even from far away.
As of Monday, at least 24 people have been killed in the fires that have engulfed more than 62 square miles near Pasadena and Pacific Palisades, according to The Associated Press. Tens of thousands of residents have had to evacuate, and many have lost everything as the fires incinerated their homes.
Numerous organizations are working to provide relief in the form of money, supplies and volunteer time as fire conditions remain dangerous. Even from 2,000 miles away, metro Atlantans have a variety of ways to help.
Elizabeth Quintero, 28, of Marietta, was one of the first Georgia Red Cross volunteers to deploy to California. She’s been helping out since Thursday in Los Angeles, where she’s taking 12-hour shifts. She plans to stay for at least two weeks.
Credit: Elizabeth Quintero
Credit: Elizabeth Quintero
“I love it,” she said. “It’s been hard work ... but at the same time, the Red Cross and other organizations are taking care of us volunteers because we’re volunteers, you know, nobody’s paying us. We’re here because we want to help, so they make sure we’re taken care of, too.”
She’s already helped set up from scratch two shelters — a temporary one inside a church and another in a veterans’ center, where up to 175 people can be housed. Across the area, 900 evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters Monday, the organization said.
Here’s how you can help:
Cotton Global Disaster Solutions
The disaster recovery company is collecting new or gently used clothing and shoes from across the country, including at two locations in metro Atlanta. The company specializes in property restoration, construction, roofing, consulting, providing temporary housing and culinary services.
Teams will accept donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday at an Atlanta field office at 800 Atlanta South Parkway No. 200. Another collection site is at Full Circle Restoration Headquarters at 4325 River Green Parkway in Duluth.
American Red Cross
Some disaster-trained American Red Cross volunteers from Georgia have been deploying to assist those affected by the fires. The organization is helping to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support and other critical services to those in need, it said in a statement.
Visit RedCross.org to learn more about how to volunteer or other ways to help.
The Red Cross urges people to volunteer, donate blood or give money. Visit the organization’s website or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate.
GoFundMe
The crowdfunding website has launched a centralized hub dedicated to verified fundraisers for fire victims. The organization said it will update the hub regularly with new campaigns as they are verified.
GoFundMe has also launched a relief fund to provide direct help through cash grants to victims. Last year, the fund allowed for grants to go to 150 people who survived wildfires in California, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, the organization said.
California Fire Foundation
The foundation provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they serve. Donations also help provide aid to victims of fire or other natural disasters, and provide fire safety resources to underserved communities across California, the organization said on its website.
Project: Camp
The nonprofit provides free, trauma-informed child care for families in the aftermath of catastrophes so parents can focus on making recovery plans. Volunteers travel to disaster areas and create pop-up camps that are fun and immersive to “help break up the formation of trauma,” the organization explains.
To volunteer or donate, visit the website at ProjectCamp.co/2025-1-lafires
For animals
Several organizations are dedicated to helping animals, including wildlife, that have been injured in or displaced by the fires. Workers have been tending to injured animals around the clock. Monetary donations and foster volunteers or adopters are the greatest need.
Here are just a few groups whose work you can support:
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